Organic Acids
REACH
Heptanoic acid
CAS Number
111-14-8
EC Number
203-838-7
FEMA Number
FEMA 3348
Industries: Food & Nutrition
What is Heptanoic acid?
Heptanoic acid (CAS 111-14-8), also known as oenanthic acid, is a seven-carbon saturated fatty acid used as a chemical intermediate, flavoring agent, and functional ingredient. FEMA 3348.
Where is Heptanoic acid used?
- Flavor and fragrance: fruity, rancid and waxy top notes
- Precursor to heptyl esters for artificial fruit flavors and aromatic compounds
- Personal care: emulsifier and surfactant synthesis, chain length influencing HLB balance
- Pharmaceuticals: intermediate in synthesis of active ingredients and excipient esters with a C7 acid backbone
- It also functions as a pH regulator and preservative component.
Commercial specifications
- Technical and food/flavor grades; food/flavor grade meets purity requirements aligned with FEMA-listed use
- Packaging from drums to IBC containers
- Bulk procurement options for large-scale manufacturing
Other Names (Synonyms)
oenanthylic acid|oenanthic acid|n-heptylic acid|N-Heptylate|n-heptoic acid|N-Heptoate|N-Heptanoic acid|N-Heptanoate
What are the physical properties of Heptanoic acid?
Melting Point -7.5 °C
Boiling Point 222.2 °C
Density 0.9181 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point >230 °F
Appearance colourless liquid with a pungent and rancid odour
Color White to off-white
Odor at 1.00 % in propylene glycol. rancid sour cheesy sweat
Form Powder
Water Solubility 0.24 g/100 mL (15 ºC)
Vapor Pressure <0.1 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.4221(lit.)
Log P 2.54 at 20℃
How is Heptanoic acid classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Precautionary Statements
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Heptanoic acid?
HS Code 29159000
UN Number 3265
ADR Class 8
Packing Group III
Storage Class 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 1